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What Are The Best Cabin Cruiser Boats?
Cabin cruisers give you all of the amenities that you need to spend a day, or even multiple days, out on the water comfortably.
After being out in the hot sun all day, you can retreat to your cabin to get some shade and relief from the elements.
Maybe it’s that time of night when it’s starting to get a little bit chilly; you can go warm up inside the cozy confines of your cabin.
It’s also nice to have a cruiser with a cabin in case it starts to rain or gets too windy so that you can escape the harsh elements and have protection somewhere indoors.
Having a cabin on your cruiser completely changes the whole boating experience and makes your boat feel more like a home away from home than just a boat.
It allows you to make overnight trips and stay right there in the cabin of the boat, giving you the freedom to travel to all kinds of different places that you may not be able to travel to if you didn’t have a cabin cruiser.
It also gives you the freedom to entertain and have guests stay overnight too depending on the size of the cabin and amount of beds that it has inside.
It’s sort of like an RV or a camper, only it’s for the water instead of for the road. You can sleep in it, cook food in it, use the restroom or shower in it, and just hang out and relax in it.
Some cabins are larger than others, so it is important to determine how many people you’ll be having aboard your cabin cruiser when deciding what size cabin cruiser to get.
If you have a large family or like to entertain a larger group of guests, then it is probably best to go with a larger-sized boat that is equipped to fit a big group comfortably so that your guests all have somewhere to sit and are not cramped.
However, if you only plan to use the cruiser for you and your partner, friend, or small family, then a larger cruiser may not be necessary for you.
Luckily, cabin cruisers come in all different sizes and layouts, so there’s something that’s suited for everyone’s needs.
Taking a look at what features and amenities a cabin cruiser have to offer is another thing that can help narrow down which cruiser is best for you and your needs. Some cabin kitchens have both stoves and ovens, while some do not.
There are some boats that come equipped with outdoor grills and entertainment areas as well, while some other boats do not.
Think about how much use you would really get out of the different features and amenities when you make the decision of which cabin cruiser is best suited for you.
If you know that you like to hang out outside the majority of the time, going with a boat that has an outdoor grill and entertainment area may be a good choice for you and your needs.
If you know that you like to spend a lot of time inside the cabin, finding a boat with a larger cabin that has more amenities in it may be a better choice.
There are, of course, some cruisers that have both of these things if you find yourself not being able to choose one over the other.
Since I know that different people have different needs, I’ve compiled a diverse list of cruisers that each have different features and amenities so that you can more easily choose which one is best for you.
I’ve also given the pros and cons of each cabin cruiser to make it easier for you to compare them to each other.
The 10 Best Cabin Cruisers
1. SEA RAY SUNDANCER 370 OUTBOARD
The Sundancer 370 Outboard is powered by three Mercury® 300 Verado® outboard engines that come standard with Joystick Piloting and Dynamic Running SurfaceTM as an option. The helm has a Digital DashTM with standard twin 12′′ Simrad® GO12 touchscreen displays, providing the latest in intelligent command. It also comes with CZone® digital switching for complete lighting management, an optional Seakeeper® 3 gyroscope stabilizer, and an optional Fusion® Apollo RA770 integrated premium audio system.
The cabin on board the Sundancer 370 Outboard accommodates four people and has elegant but welcoming design elements that emphasize space. A separate shower and spa-like finishes are included in the enclosed head. The galley comes equipped with a conventional microwave and refrigerator, and the front V-berth lounge space converts from a luxurious L-shaped sofa to a two-person sleeping. The mid-berth features a basic U-shaped sofa that transforms into sleeping for two people, as well as an optional smart TV for playing video games.
The cabin includes a comfortable seating area with a tv and table for you to relax, eat, drink, and hang out with friends. This seating area also doubles as a bed. The middle part of it has the ability to retract into the boat, making it a U-shaped couch or stay up, making it a large bed to sleep in. It has a kitchen equipped with all of the things you could need including a stove, fridge, microwave, and sink, as well as some cabinet space for storage.
There is ample seating on the deck of this boat, so you can have plenty of guests aboard comfortably. It also has a high-tech digital helm onboard system that you can control with the touch of a screen. Between this boat’s advanced technology, unique features, and luxurious seating, it is truly a cut above the rest.
Sea Ray quality means every outing is more than a simple jaunt; it’s an experience to be relished. And Sea Ray care means our award-winning dealer network and industry-leading warranty programs have your back.
Pros:
- Electronically-actuated hidden entertainment center complete with grill, cutting board, sink, tackle drawer, and extra storage
- Digital helm onboard system allows you to control your Garmin screen with the touch of your finger
- Epoxy-infused hull and Carbon Fiber/E-Glass for added structural strength and stability
Cons:
- The cabin is rather small and only has one bed, meaning it can only sleep two or three people
- The tv inside the cabin is at the head of the bed, so you can’t watch tv while you’re laying down in the bed
2. Cutwater C-30 Sedan Cabin Cruiser
This boat is spacious and perfect for entertaining guests or having family outings on. It has a convertible seating arrangement in its cockpit that can seat up to four adults but can also be tucked away to seat only two and have extra space.
Its cabin bulkhead also has an opening in its panel to reverse the dinette seat if you want to in order to accommodate more guests. In addition to all of this seating, there is also a double seat built into the transom and a pair of cushioned observation seats that are stored underneath the flush hatches.
What really sets this cabin cruiser apart from the rest is the spacious, luxurious cabin that it has. Inside the cabin, is a dinette that is able to seat four people as well as convert into a bed large enough to sleep two to three people.
Its kitchen has a large fridge, double sink, stove, oven, and microwave, along with plenty of room for storage, giving you enough room to cook for family or guests comfortably. This boat also includes a forward stateroom that contains an extra double bed and even more storage.
Pros
- Very spacious with an ample amount of seating for entertaining larger groups comfortably
- Large kitchen that has an oven in addition to the standard stove most cabins have
- It comes in a variety of colors and trim packages
- Stepped Keel hull design means that the engine is placed lower, giving you extra headroom
- 435-hp Volvo diesel inboard for optimal cruising performance and the ability to take the boat on long trips
- Ten-foot beam provides plenty of room and comfort both above and below deck
Cons
- Some features, like air conditioning, for example, are only available as add-ons for an extra cost
3. Tiara Yachts 39 Coupe
This resulted in extra room for lodging and storage. The difficulty was that this shifted the plane’s center of gravity further aft, causing performance to decrease and making it more difficult to board. Despite the fact that Tiara was one of the first builders to use pod drives, its engines are situated in a similar location to shaft drives.
The C39 hull is hand-laid, with a solid fibreglass bottom and balsa-cored hull sides. Balsa is also used to core the deck and house. The stringers are built with foam cores with a wood skin, then glassed over and to the hull bottom.
There is debate over the advantages and disadvantages of balsa versus synthetic coring materials, but Tiara firmly believes that in most cases, balsa is the best core material when used above the waterline. To avoid issues of water ingress, wherever there is a cutout, with cleats for example, solid f ibreglass is used in place of the balsa coring.
Tiara hulls are painted with Imron, which the company favours over traditional gelcoat. The 39 was built, like many modern coupes/express cruisers, to have a smooth transition between the same-level saloon, galley, and cockpit, separated only by a wall of glass with large sliding doors.
When the components are placed on various levels, the result is a substantially bigger entertainment space. A large swim platform with gated stairs to the cockpit to port and starboard expands the living area even further, especially when using the optional electric grill on the transom island’s aft side.
The transom island is hinged, and when electrically lifted, it reveals a big trunk compartment with enough of storage room for fenders, lines, and other items, as well as a hatch to access the pod drives.
Pros
- The side decks are quite large, and owing to well-placed railings and guardrails, travelling between the cockpit and the foredeck is safe and straightforward
- Tiara’s sliding glass saloon doors are unique. They are cross-linked so that opening one door opens the other door an equal amount. The action is smooth and best of all—thanks to being counterweighted—the doors will not slide on their own regardless of the amount of roll.
- the styling is modern, with an L-shaped settee/dinette, linear galley and ample helm area
- linear galley with Corian countertops, two-burner cooktop, convection microwave, two drawer-type fridge/freezer units and an overhead dish cabinet. A 28-inch flat screen TV is hidden behind the cabinet and simply pulls out when needed
- The helm station is spacious and its layout is exceptionally clean—almost minimalist—with dual 12-inch Garmin/Volvo glass cockpit screens that do the usual multi-function tasks and monitor and control many of the ship’s systems. The joystick and remote control for the glass cockpit are well placed so that the outside edge of the driver’s hand can rest comfortably against the windowsill for better control
- Down below are two staterooms and a single head. The companionway is open to above and Tiara calls this the “atrium.” It’s where the yacht’s primary electrical control panels are located
- Stainless steel throughout for added durability
Cons
- The kitchen is rather small and does not have a stove or oven, so you have to go outside to the cockpit in order to grill anything
- The cabin is fairly small and cramped, so although you can host up to nine people above deck, you cannot fit that many comfortably below deck
4. Jeanneau VELASCO 43F Cabin Cruiser
Performance at Sea That Is Both Reliable and Powerful Luxury Cruising
The Velasco 43F shows to be incredibly safe and simple to operate more responsive power, and stability. This model lives up to the picture given by its dramatic silhouette by providing an experience behind the wheel that is intensely pleasurable.
The Velasco 43F is perfect for bonding with friends and family over shared experiences thanks to its ingenious and open layout. This vessel’s deck layout offers a lot of space and is quite open. You will have the ability to create a genuine beach club environment thanks to the aft swim platform and the two opening side terraces.
The Velasco 43F shows to be incredibly safe and simple to operate more responsive power, and stability. This model lives up to the picture given by its dramatic silhouette by providing an experience behind the wheel that is intensely pleasurable.
The cabins inside of this boat are extremely spacious and equipped with all of the essentials you need in order to make this cruiser your family’s home away from home. The modern-looking kitchen contains a stove, oven, double sink, fridge, and microwave, giving you the ability to cook a variety of meals for you, your family, and guests.
It also has ample storage and a comfy U-shaped dinette with a retractable table in the center of it. Not to mention that the bathroom looks like something straight out of a 5-star hotel, complete with a glass shower and polished hardwood cabinets. There are also enough beds to sleep up to six people comfortably.
This cruiser’s massive, modern cabin is what really sets it apart from other cruisers, but it also has some other great features like the shaft drive and double thrusters, which give this boat optimal cruising capabilities. These features make for a much smoother ride that will make you feel as though you’re gliding over the water.
Pros
- Three beds that are able to sleep up to six people comfortably
- Spacious, modernly designed cabin with luxurious features like polished hardwood cabinets, glass shower doors, and comfortable seating
- A total of four levels, two cabins, and two heads, making it perfect for entertaining large groups
- Shaft drive and double thrusters for a smooth cruising experience
- Integrated radar arch for a polished, defined look
- Ample seating in the cockpit for plenty of guests to sit comfortably
Cons
- Only available in white
- No outdoor grill
5. Regal 38 Fly Cabin Cruiser
The 38 Fly, on the other hand, is a stylish platform that makes excellent use of available space. The attention to detail is obvious, and the design aspects are sleek and contemporary, as is characteristic with Regal. Above and below deck, there are full facilities, including an aft cockpit refrigerator, a full galley, and an amazing aft cabin with a king bed that converts to twin beds as needed.
A concealed pocket door mechanism in the stateroom helps organize luggage, and a 32″ television adds to the room’s comfort. With a convex outside edge to optimize room, the flybridge is unexpectedly spacious. A hydraulic swim platform that falls below water level is a great feature for socializing and getting back into the water after aquatic sports.
Twin 600 horsepower Twin Volvo D4 Diesel 300 OX engines with EVC Joystick or 800 horsepower Twin Volvo V8 430 EVC DP engines with Joystick Cat are available as power alternatives. The Seakeeper 3 Stabilization System, which reduces up to 95 percent of boat roll, is another significant feature.
Pros
- UltraLounge, The multi-position backrest allows you to sit forward, aft, lounge aft, or even layout for a perfect tan. Let the Ultralounge seating accommodate any way you want to sit, lay or hang out
- Joystick Control with Steering and Cruise Control, The joystick control allows anyone to look like a master captain when docking
- Flybridge Refrigerator, There’s no need to leave the flybridge when you are thirsty or need a snack thanks to the flybridge refrigerator
- Standard Height Olympic Queen Bed with Innerspring Mattress, The forward stateroom features a full sized queen that was built at the perfect height for easily getting in and out of bed
- Hidden Pocket Door System for Stateroom Privacy, Uniquely designed sliding privacy doors separate the master stateroom from the rest of the boat
- The bedroom is separate from the living room for added privacy
Cons
- Not as large as some other cruisers
- Only one bed, making it not ideal for hosting overnight guests
- The kitchen does not have an oven
6. Sea Ray Sundancer 320 Cabin Cruiser
The Sundancer 320’s adaptability and smooth flow of internal and outdoor spaces give it an airy elegance that distinguishes it from classic sport cruisers. A coupe version of this vehicle is also available.
This is the perfect cabin cruiser for a small family or couple, as it has enough seating in the cockpit for four or possibly five people to sit comfortably, as well as one large bed and two small cots in the cabin to sleep up to four people. This is the perfect size for families with one or two children as the kids can sleep in the cots and the parents can sleep in the larger bed.
The deck has a grill and sink right on the backside of the cockpit so that you can cook without having to inside the cabin. However, the cabin does still has a kitchen equipped with a stove, microwave, sink, and fridge so that you can cook inside too. It also has two couches and tv so that you can hang out inside the cabin after a long day out in the sun.
The cabin is an open floorplan style, but the steps create a bit of a barrier between where the living room and large bed are and where the two small cots are. The bed is out in the open though, so it does not allow for as much privacy as a cabin with a separate bedroom or a privacy barrier.
Pros
- Grill and sink outside near the cockpit so you can cook and entertain on the deck
- Cozy, compact design perfect for small families or couples
- The kitchen comes equipped with all of the essentials, including a stove, fridge, microwave, sink, and storage space
- There are two small cots in addition to the bed for extra sleeping space, allowing this cabin to sleep up to six people comfortably
Cons
- There is no separate bedroom or privacy barrier, so the bed is out in the open, meaning that there is not much privacy
- The boat and cabin are both on the smaller side
- The kitchen does not have an oven
7. Aspen 32 C100 Escape Power Cat Cabin Cruiser
The compensation for engine torque that the asymmetrical hulls create gives you a smooth, even cruising experience, allowing you to cruise at a high speed of just under thirty miles per hour. While this may not be the fastest moving boat out there, it goes at a pretty decent speed when taking into account how large it is.
The unique design of the hulls isn’t the only thing that makes this cabin cruiser great though. This boat has a spacious cockpit that is perfect for entertaining a group of guests, hanging out with your family, or fishing.
This cockpit has not one, but two refrigerators as well as a sink, so you can stay hydrated while you’re out in the sun all day, mix up a drink for your guests, and even store your catch of the day all right there in the cockpit.
The inside of this boat is just as spacious and full of awesome amenities as the outside of it is. The cabin of this boat sleeps up to six people with its king bed, which is located in the private bedroom area, dinette that converts into a queen bed, and space for a single bed in the smaller hull section.
This means that you can host guests overnight or have room for the whole family to sleep comfortably. The kitchen inside the cabin has all of the essentials that you need to cook a variety of meals too, including a stove, oven, sink, fridge, and microwave.
Pros
- Asymmetrical hulls compensate for engine torque, creating a smooth, straight cruising experience when you take your hands off of the wheel
- The cockpit is very large, making it ideal for entertaining large groups of people or fishing
- The cockpit has two refrigerators, so you can store a variety of drinks, snacks, and fish you may catch if you’re fishing
- The cabin has enough beds to sleep up to six people
- The kitchen inside the cabin is fully equipped with all of the essentials, including an oven
- Premium sound deadening creates low sound and vibration levels
Cons
- The highest speed that this boat is able to cruise at is just under thirty miles per hour which isn’t very fast
- Only available in white
8. Cruiser Yachts 39 Express Coupe
The 39 Express Coupe yacht’s additional changeable seating ranges from split L-shaped chairs with a central entry gate to U-shaped booth seating with table to the ultimate lounger with filler cushions and the reclining transom back rest. Onboard your new 39 Express Coupe, create the ideal, luxury area to party, play, or rest any day of the week.
The helm of the 39 Express Coupe has been meticulously engineered to enable any captain feel at ease and in complete control of this agile coupe. The helm of the 39 Express Coupe is meant to feel custom constructed, with a leather wrapped steering wheel and silver polished accents.
This section of your 39 Express Coupe is straightforward to enjoy thanks to thoughtful touches like a platform for standing at the helm, a well-placed joystick, and views from all sides.
The 39 Express Coupe’s warmth and comfort carry into the forward dinette. With comfortable couches and wrap-around views, this room can accommodate up to seven people. This well-designed area features ample overhead storage, ample standing room, and a dinette that transforms to a full-beam secondary stateroom ideal for overnight visitors.
When your visitors are ready to leave, just lower the table, add the filler cushion, and pull the privacy curtain closed to provide a relaxing retreat.
We all know that the kitchen is where the finest talks and memories are made. That’s why the galley in the 39 Express Coupe is designed to be welcoming, efficient, and well-positioned. With a sink, refrigerator, electric stovetop, and microwave/convection oven, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
The galley’s location offers spectacular sea views, tasteful embellishments, and allows the chef to maintain contact with their visitors.
When you enter the 39 Express Coupe’s master suite, you’ll notice beautiful details at every turn. This room includes plenty of headroom, a plush double berth, a port-side sofa, a cedar-lined hanging locker, and the most up-to-date entertainment options. This area is both bright and cozy thanks to natural light, gorgeous built-in lighting, and fresh neutral hues.
You’ll have no trouble making this location your refuge and a wonderful retreat onboard your new 39 Express Coupe, thanks to plenty of storage choices.
Pros
- A beautiful escape, the head aboard the 39 Express Coupe is both stylish and well laid out. You’ll find everything you need in this easy to access space
- Storage, space and a off the bow ladder make the aft deck of the 39 Express Coupe great for relaxing or a day of watersports
- Stretch out in luxury with the bow lounge aboard the 39 Express Coupe
- The 10′ walk around and self-draining steps offer safe and convenient entry from the cockpit to the bow
- Dynamic Running Surface system creates low sound and vibration levels, as well as automatic leveling planes for a smoother, more even cruise
Cons
- In our humble opinion, None
9. Back Cove Yachts 372 Cabin Cruiser
The outcome was a boat with a lot of new features that got its own name: the freshly rebuilt Back Cove 372.
The Back Cove 372 is packed with new features that cater to today’s sailing and boating lifestyles, while yet maintaining the classic character and heart of a tried-and-true winner.
The following are some of the highlights:
A lighter boat and longer run time on the bow and optional stern thrusters thanks to a more efficient 24V DC electrical system with reduced copper weight.
A Cummins QSC 8.3 600hp diesel engine with a 7-inch display comes standard, and a Volvo Penta D8 diesel engine with a 7-inch Garmin display is available as an option. Since 2009, more than 95 percent of Back Cove 37 owners have chosen a larger-than-standard engine, indicating that this change is a direct outcome of owner desire.
Glare is reduced at the helm thanks to a black windscreen lining and an upholstered helm pod. New materials for enhanced durability and stain resistance, as well as more room for navigation devices, have been added to the helm pod.
Fixed-glazed pilothouse windows replace sliding windows, improve sightlines, and are complimented with a center-opening windshield with better operation thanks to opening appliances.
To starboard, a new aft-facing cockpit seat with a folding armrest and drink storage, as well as a new salon door to port with a bi-fold glass to starboard (above the aft-facing seat).
A new shower cubicle and a rebuilt head with an extended medicine cabinet, a large over-sink mirror, and a redesigned medicine cabinet.
Pros
- The cabin has enough beds to sleep up to six people, as well as two separate bedrooms for added privacy
- The kitchen is fully equipped with all the essentials, including a stove, fridge, sink, microwave, dishwasher, and storage
- There is a washing machine on board
- The cockpit is spacious and has a fridge, grill, and ice maker, making it perfect for entertaining large groups of people
- Deep V-hull allows boat to cruise through choppier water smoothly
- Joystick handling with computerized dynamic positioning for easier control and maneuvering of the boat
Cons
- The kitchen of this boat does not have an oven
- The boat is very large and takes up a lot of space, making it not ideal for smaller docks
- Only available in white
10. Sabre 38 Salon Express Cabin Cruiser
The cockpit seats four to five people comfortably and is complete with a polished cherry wood table that you can slide out of the way when not in use to give you more room.
Inside the salon, you’ll find a U-shaped seating arrangement along with another cherry wood table, and just three steps down from that, you’ll find yourself inside the cabin. This is where the kitchen and the one master bedroom are located.
The kitchen is equipped with a stove, fridge, microwave, sink, and ample storage, giving you the ability to cook a wide variety of meals. Since it is a few steps down from the salon, it is separate from the common area but still close enough and open enough that you can talk and interact with guests in the salon while cooking in the kitchen.
The bedroom contains one queen-sized bed that can sleep up to two adults, or two adults and one child. It also has a door that you can shut if you’d like for added privacy.
This boat is equipped with smaller engines, which allow it to reach higher speeds by using less horsepower, adding to the efficiency and performance of the boat.
The IPS pod drives and joystick control also make maneuvering and controlling this boat much smoother and easier, even in shallower water or close quarters. This is a great boat for a couple or small family due to how sensible its design is and how easy it is to operate and maneuver.
Pros
- The layout of the boat keeps each area separate from each other, while still remaining open enough to interact with people in different areas of the boat
- The kitchen is fully equipped with all of the essentials, including a stove, fridge, microwave, sink, and storage
- The bedroom has a closable door for added privacy
- Smaller engines are more efficient and allow for the boat to go faster with less horsepower
- IPS pod drives and joystick control allow for easier maneuvering, even in smaller spaces
- Classic nautical design throughout the boat
Cons
- Although there is ample seating throughout the boat, each area only allows for about four people to sit together
- There is only enough sleeping space for two adults, or two adults and one child, to sleep comfortably
- The kitchen has no oven
- Only available in white
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several components and elements to consider while looking for the appropriate cabin cruiser.
The size of the boat is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider before looking at the other things it has to offer. You must ensure that the cruiser you purchase is large enough to accommodate the number of guests you intend to entertain.
You’ll also want to make sure that its cabin has adequate sleeping space to accommodate the number of individuals who will be staying there overnight.
If you simply want to use the boat for yourself, your spouse, or your close family, a smaller, more practical boat may be ideal.
It would seem much more intimate than a larger boat and provide just enough space for you and a few people.
If you want to party a lot on your cabin cruiser, a larger boat with amenities like a grill and fridge in the cockpit and plenty of bed room in the cabin could be a better fit for you and your needs.
Examining the engine and speed capabilities of the boat may also help you limit down your options. Keep in mind that if you want a boat that can go a little quicker, you might have to settle with a boat that is a little smaller.
Large cruisers typically cannot cruise as quickly as smaller, more compact cruisers because to their increased weight.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to look for in a cabin cruiser in terms of different features and amenities. I hope you’ve found this guide to be useful, and that you’ve come away from it with the knowledge and resources you’ll need to pick the appropriate cabin cruiser for you.
